Which member is required for all cancer committees across programs?

The requirement for a cancer committee across programs includes a pathologist as a mandatory member. This is crucial because pathologists play a vital role in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. They provide expert analysis on tissue samples through pathology reports, which are essential for accurate cancer classification and staging. The insights they offer help inform the cancer care team's decisions regarding treatment protocols and patient management strategies.

While other members like the oncology nurse, cancer liaison physician, and radiation oncologist contribute valuable perspectives and expertise to the committee, the pathologist's role is critical in establishing the foundational diagnoses upon which all further treatment decisions are based. Thus, the inclusion of a pathologist ensures that the committee can effectively focus on the clinical aspects of cancer care while maintaining the integrity of pathology services, which is fundamental for the comprehensive treatment of cancer patients.